Abstract | BACKGROUND: The possibility of inducing oral desensitization in patients with food allergy is still controversial and no standardized programmes are yet available. AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral desensitization in patients with allergy induced by the most common food allergens. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with food allergy underwent an oral desensitizing treatment according to standardized protocols. The control group consisted of age- and sex-matched subjects, who followed a strict elimination diet. Specific immunoglobulin E and immunoglobulin G4 were assessed at baseline and after 6, 12 and 18 months. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: The immunological findings induced by oral desensitization in food allergy allow us to hypothesize that oral tolerance may be mediated by the same mechanisms as those involved in traditional desensitizing treatments for respiratory allergies. Moreover, the proposed standardized oral desensitization protocols may represent an effective alternative approach in the management of food-allergic patients.
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Authors | G Patriarca, E Nucera, C Roncallo, E Pollastrini, F Bartolozzi, T De Pasquale, A Buonomo, G Gasbarrini, C Di Campli, D Schiavino |
Journal | Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics
(Aliment Pharmacol Ther)
Vol. 17
Issue 3
Pg. 459-65
(Feb 2003)
ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England |
PMID | 12562461
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-Allergic Agents
- Cromolyn Sodium
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Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Anti-Allergic Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Cromolyn Sodium
(administration & dosage)
- Desensitization, Immunologic
(methods)
- Female
- Food Hypersensitivity
(immunology, therapy)
- Humans
- Infant
- Male
- Middle Aged
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